Working out when it is appropriate to let your child do certain things can be challenging, with many parents struggling to wrap their heads around the rules.
If you're wondering what the law says about children going out on their own, here is everything you need to know.
When can my child go out on their own without any adult supervision?
The NSPCC Helpline staff are available to provide expert advice and support if you have any concerns about a child's safety and wellbeing 💚. Visit https://t.co/qAafkzkD6c for more information. pic.twitter.com/hOaP58eAis
— NSPCC (@NSPCC) March 31, 2025
According to Action for Children, there is no legal age at which your child should be before going out unsupervised.
However, parents have been told to start teaching their kids independence skills, so they gradually feel more confident when encountering tricky situations.
If you don't feel happy letting your child out alone, explain to them that this is something you don't feel they are ready for yet, before coming up with a plan to help them gain the right skills.
Generally, the NSPCC does not recommend letting kids under the age of 12 out unsupervised, with primary school children typically being too young to walk back from school all by themselves.
Recommended Reading:
- What age can a child stay home alone? Here's what the NSPCC has to say
- How do I renew my child's passport in the UK?
- Can a child fly within the UK on a domestic flight without a passport?
At what age can my child be left home alone?
As is the case with going out, there is no legal age required for kids to be left home alone, according to the NSPCC.
However, it is against the law to leave a child at home if this puts them at risk, with it generally being agreed that those under the age of 12 are too young.
Every child matures differently, so it would be "impossible" to apply a "one size fits all" approach, the children's charity adds.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated: 1st January 1970 12:00 am
Report this comment Cancel